i3N has achieved a remarkable milestone in European research by securing 1M€ funding for two major projects, e-FLOWER and MORPHEUS, under the Horizon Europe program. In a highly competitive call with 70 submissions for only four available slots, i3N’s success in winning two projects means the institute has secured 50% of the total funding available for this specific topic on flexible and stretchable electronics.
e-FLOWER
The Future of Sustainable e-Textiles Coordinated by the Tyndall National Institute (Ireland), e-FLOWER aims to develop the next generation of eco-friendly smart textiles. By integrating electronic components using biomaterials and low-impact laser technologies, the project targets a TRL 6 maturity level. Applications range from physiological monitoring in sports to healthcare in space environments. Professor Elvira Fortunato highlights that this project "positions our institution at the forefront of sustainable flexible electronics, combining materials science with circularity principles."
MORPHEUS
Modular Healthcare Monitoring Focusing on clinical and long-term care environments, MORPHEUS is coordinated by the Politecnico di Torino (Italy). The Portuguese team, led by Dr. Emanuel Carlos, will drive the development of green syntheses and supercapacitors for energy storage. The project introduces a "plug-and-sense" architecture—an ultra-thin, flexible electronic skin with interchangeable sensors. Emanuel Carlos notes that MORPHEUS is "a decisive step in the convergence of sustainable materials and intelligent monitoring systems".
Both projects are aligned with the European Green Deal, reinforcing i3N’s leadership in the green and digital transition and will star on June, 1st.